QUALITY & Patient Safety

Staying Healthy

Frequently Asked Questions

We realize applicants may have several questions even before they start the application process. We have provided answers to our most frequently asked questions.

Q: How old do I have to be to volunteer?High School applicants must be between the ages of 15-18 years of age. Those volunteers who are older are categorized as Adult or College/University.

Q: I will be 15 at the end of the school year, can I still apply for the summer program?To be considered for either the Fall or Summer program, all High School applicants must be the minimum age of 15 when they apply.

Q: I only need 40 hours for my High School graduation requirement. Can I still apply?You may still apply, but documentation will not be provided until you have completed 60 hours of volunteering.

Q: My friend and I would like to volunteer together. Is this possible?We appreciate that volunteering with a friend is a fun thing to do. If you are both selected, we cannot guarantee that you will be placed on the same shift or the same area but we will try to accommodate if appropriate.

Q: When are volunteer shifts? Can I volunteer more than once a week?Shifts vary from 2 to 4 hours in length. Monday through Sunday. We recommend that you start off with one shift per week to get a feeling for the area you are volunteering in and then consider taking on an additional shift.

Q: Can I volunteer in whatever are I want?Volunteers are placed in areas in which staff have expressed a need for volunteer assistance. Your interest and availability will be discussed during the interview to ensure a successful placement.

Q: If I'm professionally trained, may I practice my profession as a volunteer?Unfortunately, no. We welcome volunteers with health care backgrounds, however, volunteers must work within the scope of the volunteer role. Volunteering will not provide you with an opportunity to practice or develop clinical or technical skills or provide an outlet for employment.

Q: What is the Hospital Life Program (H.E.L.P.)?This program will interest people who enjoy working with seniors. Volunteers interact directly with elderly patients, engaging them in discussion and activity to help prevent mental and physical decline during their stay in the hospital.

Q: Can I take holidays?Yes, of course! However, we ask volunteers to inform us in advance of the dates they will be away.

Q: Is there a volunteer uniform?All volunteers are required to wear a uniform while on duty. A Trillium Health Partners photo ID is issued on your first shift.

Q: Will I be charged for parking?Complimentary parking is provided while volunteering.

Q: Once I apply, how long do I have to wait to hear if I'm accepted?We receive many high quality applicants during our intake period. Applicants who apply online will receive an automated reply acknowledging receipt of their application. Selected applicants will be contacted by telephone or email to book a personal interview. If you are not selected, we ask that you reapply during the next recruitment period posted on our website.